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Cross the Bridge - November 10, 2014

"Then David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David begot more sons and daughters. And these are the names of his children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet."
NKJV

David, while an incredible man of God, was not the father he should have been. In several places in Scripture, we see where he did not discipline his kids the way he should have. Additionally, the fact that he took many wives violated God's command (Deuteronomy 17:14-17), and shows that what he lived out in public he may have skimped on in his own home. God blessed David in spite of multiple marriages, but he had many problems because of it.

This is not only true for David, but probably true in so many ways for each and every one of us. It's quite easy to cover up for deficiencies at work or with friends, but deficiencies are often very evident in family life. Don't believe me? Ask your spouse.

Being a spiritual leader in your home means more than issuing orders and doling out discipline. It also means being the first to repent and apologize when you get things wrong or lose your temper. That's not easy to do. Your family is learning from you. To little eyes, the things you do or don't do speak just as loudly as the things you say. Show your family a life submitted and poured out to God and they will follow in the path you blaze.

Life Lesson: Live out your faith at home.

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me. I am so grateful that You care to help me when I call on You in the midst of my battles. Please help me not to pretend that all is O.K. to everyone else. You see my brokenness, my sin and my shame. Lord, I am running to You right now. I have been so beat up lately. Lord, I want to be real and honest. I want to demonstrate true spiritual leadership in my home and in the workplace. Please be strong in my life. Restore my brokenness and help me develop a dependence on You. Empower me to live my life demonstrating Your love to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.